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BY 

WILL P. SNYDER 

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BOSTON 

SHERMAN, FRENCH & COMPANY 

1917 









m -4 1917 



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Sherman, French ^ Company 



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TO 

A. ESTOCLET 

OF THE EDITORIAL STAFF OF 
THE PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER 
WITHOUT WHOSE KINDLY CRITI- 
CISM AND ENCOURAGEMENT 
NOT ONE OF THESE POEMS 
WOULD HAVE BEEN WRITTEN 



ACKNOWLEDGMENT 

In the literary world, where the newcomer, 
strange and unknown, must timidly knock at the 
door of the editorial sanctum, hospitality to the 
aspiring poet is a pleasing grace. Therefore, 
cordial thanks for a welcome to these humble 
efforts of mine are due, and are hereby tendered, 
the editors of the Philadelphia Inquirer, St. 
Nicholas^ Little Folksy Extension Magazine, 
Men and Women, World's Events, The Ameri- 
can Agriculturist, The Book News Monthly, 
The People's Home Journal, The John Martin 
Booh, and the Philadelphia Record. 



CONTENTS 
PART I 

PAGE 

BiLLiE Boy and I 1 

The Soldier Born 3 

The Word Coiner 5 

Me and Mine 7 

Just Looking On 8 

Looking Backward 9 

My Wealth 10 

Love's Sunshine 11 

The Coming and Going of Baby Blue-Eyes 12 

A Welcome Autocrat 15 

To A Little Child 17 

Learning to Walk 18 

Waiting at the Gate 19 

Baby's Horse .20 

What the Little Winds Said .... 22 

A Boy's Treasures 24 

The Lost Baby 26 

Dear Little Robber of Love .... 27 

Who is It? 28 

Th' Show Us Fellers Had 30 

Santa's Little Ones 32 

When Mother Warmed My Little Hands 34 

» 

PART II 

Sunset Town 39 

The Land of Sweet Surprise 44 

*' Th' Good Man's Sprinkle Cart " . . 47 



PAGE 

When the Storm Band Comes .... 49 

Old Mister North Wind 50 

The Pipers of the Marsh 51 

The Song the Twilight Sang .... 52 

My Story Book 54 

My Gran'pa 55 

Ordering a Baby Brother 57 

The Boy that Moved Next Door ... 58 

Playin' Make Believe 59 

When the Bear Comes to Town ... 61 

When the Elephant was King .... 62 

The Homesick Boy 64 

When the Parson Stopped for Tea . . 70 

What One Boy Did 74 

Christmas Day fer Mine 76 

*' Fixing " Things with Santa .... 78 

The Lonely Toad 81 

The Doll's Lament 83 

The Engagement 84 

The Hollyhock and the Honey Bee . . 86 

A Lullaby 87 

The Sandman's Ship 88 

Peace 89 



PART I 



BILLIE BOY AND I 

WINTER evenings Billie Boy 
Gathers every block and toy, 
Comes and stands beside my knee, 
Waiting there, quite patiently, 
'Til I've read my paper through. 
Then says, " Daddy, please won't you 
Play upon the floor with me ? — 
Everything is ready, see? " 
(His wish I grant him.) 

" First," he says, " right here is where, 
Close beside the Delaware, 
Cornwallis and Washington 
Have their camps. Now see the fun ! " 
While Cornwallis takes a nap, 
Washington escapes his trap. 
Leaving his camp fires, bright. 
Burning there throughout the night. 
(I'm Cornwallis.) 

" Next," he says, " here Grant and Lee 
Meet at Appomattox — See.'^ 
Here is where Grant's soldiers stand." 
And he quickly takes command. 
My, how loud the cannon roar. 
And the rifles flash and pour 
Leaden hail, until I see 
Grant has beaten General Lee! 
(I'm General Lee.) 

[1] 



Then we play it's " break o' day," 
And we're at Manila Bay. 
He is Dewey, and his fleet 
Soon make victory complete. 
Ships are sunk — yes, every one. 
Without loss of man or gain. 
What a glorious victory ! 
But, alas, poor me, poor me — ! 
(I'm the Spaniards.) 

Home a mighty hero comes 
'Mid the sound of fifes and drums, 
Climbs right up upon my knee. 
Snuggles down, contentedly — 
(Dewey, Grant and Washington, 
Rolled together into one) 
Looks into my face a while, 
Smiles a funny little smile. 
Hugs me tight, then says to me, 
" My, I love you. General Lee ! " 
(I kiss the victor.) 



[2] 



THE SOLDIER BORN 

SAY, honey boy, when you grow up, 
What would you like to be — 
A doctor, lawyer, minister, 
Or business man like me? 

He smiles and shakes his little head. 
And says, " Not them for me — 
I'm going to be a gen-er-al 
Of some big ar-am-ee ! " 

All through the day he drills his men, 
Across the floor and back. 
Or forms them into line while he 
Leads on to the attack. 

He scales the heights of Sofa Top, 
And tears their colors down, 
Then plants instead, the Stars and Stripes, 
And occupies the town. 

Great is the slaughter of the foe, 
And prisoners by the score 
He places under heavy guard 
Behind the closet door. 

The battle o'er, he gathers up 
His dead and wounded men; 
He heals their wounds, and then commands 
The dead to live again. 
[3] 



Then tired of his play he comes 
And climbs upon mv knee, 
And begs for stories of the war 
My father told to me. 

And need I wonder why my boy 
Takes such a keen delight 
In playing soldier all the day, 
And dreams of them at night? 

Did not his granddads both respond 

To Lincoln's call for men ? — 

Does not their blood course through his veins ? 

Why need I wonder, then? 



[*] 



THE WORD COINER 

THE little chap I love and own, 
Oft speaks a language quite unknown; 
Some words in Webster you will find ; 
The rest are not the Webster kind. 
He says, " Dear Pama " — that means me. 
And " Mopa " means his mother, see? 
By some strange rule he blends the two. 
That either one for both will do. 
He says, " If you will give me more 
Sweet choc'late buds — jess free or four," 
(And then his blue eyes open wide) 
" Why, then I'll be real sapisfide." 
When snugly tucked within his bed, 
He kicks and squirms until he's red. 
Then cries, " I hate deese covers much — 
Dey makes me feel so awful scrutch ! " 
The parlor is the " bestest " place. 
To romp and play and run a race; 
He says, " It's so much roomer dere 
To chase an Injun or a bear." 
When he is bad and mother chides. 
He sulks a while, then goes and hides. 
Then comes and says, " I's sorrow, too ; 
I want to be friensess wiff you." 
When someone sweeps, he says they " broom " 
The " dustiness " about the room ; 
And in his book, the sailors " oar " 
Their heavy boat up to the shore. 

[5] 



And so, throughout the day I hear 

These funny words that sound so queer ; 

I often smile — my little boy 

Smiles back and says, "You must feel joy 



»? 



[6] 



ME AND MINE 

HE'S mine, a very part of me; 
And all the day 
While at his play, 
My little self again I see. 

Of yore, my toys were old and few ; 

So just today 

I went away 
And bought a " choo choo " for us two. 

So many toys I was denied, 

I'm longing still 

To have my fill. 
Though most of them I've since supplied. 

While watching him, who's part of me, 

(The little elf!) 

Enjoy himself, 
I'm 'most as happy as is he. 

And when we romp about the floor, 

And mother chides. 

He goes and hides. 
And I, back to my desk once more. 



[7] 



JUST LOOKING ON 

COME, little ones, I love to hear 
Your merry laughter and your song. 
So fill this old house with your cheer. 
And I'll sit here and laugh along. 

You've left your homes to visit me, 
And pass a merry hour or two, 
So give full rein to jollity. 
And I'll just sit and look at you. 

The house is large and warm and bright. 
And yours it is to romp and run, — 
My heart is like my house tonight, 
So I'll just sit and watch your fun. 

While at your play there's one I see 
Whose stay with us was not for long; 
He comes and climbs upon my knee. 
And we join in your merry song. 

Without, the skies are dark and drear. 
And sadly wails the wint'ry wind. 
And if, perchance, I drop a tear, 
Why, — just play on and never mind. 



[8] 



LOOKING BACKWARD 

TAKE hold of my finger, dearie — 
My hand 's too large, I know — 
And lead me away in your childish play 
To the days of long ago. 

Back to my cherished toys so few, 

(Another's pride before). 
And catch me a gleam of a childhood dream, 

That dreaming, I may dream o'er. 

Back to a loving mother's face, 

Back to her loving care. 
To the touch so grand of her gentle hand, 

As she fondly stroked my hair. 

Back to the simple prayer she taught, 

The lullabys she'd sing. 
As about my bed with her noiseless tread 

She would snugly tuck me in. 

Back to the passionate goodnight kiss 

That oft I wiped away, 
And tears that would start from her wounded 
heart 

Are burning my brow today. 

Play on, dear child, and may I live 

My life so good and true, 
That, in time to be, tender thoughts of me, 

Like these, may come back to you. 
[9] 



MY WEALTH 

THE purest love, by yards and yards, 
Is measured off to me each day 
By dimpled arms extended wide, 
In simple, sincere, child-like way. 

" So much I love 'oo, an' some more ; 

An' when my wee arms longer grow, 
I'll show 'oo how much more an' more 

I love 'oo — for I love 'oo so ! " 

" So much I love 'oo an' some more " ; 

What heart could fuller measure give? — 
My own reels up the golden thread, 

And makes my life a joy to live. 

Love free from dross and sin's cold touch 
A love that cheers me with its glow. 

And makes me richer far than he 
Who has no child to love him so. 



[10] 



LOVE'S SUNSHINE 

WITH kisses to give and kisses to take, 
And many good-byes to say, 
What need care I for a cloudy sky 

Or a dark and dreary day? 
With the touch of lips on my cheeks alway, 

And baby's voice in my ear, 
And love's bright glare shining everywhere. 
No day can be dark and drear. 

Chorus 

Kisses, kisses, kisses to take and give; 

Kisses of gold that never grow cold, 
Making life sweet to live; 

Love-light, eyes bright. 

Filling my day with cheer ; 
Loved ones to hold, and arms that enfold; 

No day can be dark and drear. 

When the day is done there's a welcome sure, 

And kisses that smack and ring; 
A nice new toy for my baby boy. 

And a nursery rhyme to sing. 
And richer far, I am sure, than he 

Who has lands and wealth untold, 
But lacks the bliss of a loved one's kiss, 

And arms that can hug and hold. 

[11] 



THE COMING AND GOING OF BABY 
BLUE-EYES 

FROM that city, fair and four-square, 
Just beyond the sunlit skies, 
From the home of God and angels, 
Out of holy Paradise, 
Came a white-winged baby spirit 
Through the blue of heaven's dome 
To the dwelling place of mortals. 
Seeking entrance to our home. 
Sent us by the God of Promise, 
As an answer to our prayer, 
Out of that fair, dreamed-of-city ; 
City Beautiful, four-square — 
Came our little Baby Blue-Eyes ; 
Blue-Eyes, with the golden hair. 

Oh, it was the joyous May time; 
And the morning's cooling breeze, 
Came with sweetest incense laden 
From the blooming vines and trees ; 
Blithesome songsters in the branches 
Sang to God and nestlings young; 
All the world seemed kissed to gladness 
By the golden springtime sun ; 
And, we too, thanked God the Giver 
For our darling little one. 

Never was there sent to mortals. 
Such a rare — ■ so pure a gem, — 
[12] 



Surely one of God's bright jewels 

From His royal diadem ! 

Sweet-voiced, laughing, Baby Blue-Eyes ! 

No earth-treasure e'er could bring 

To our hearts such joy and gladness 

As he brought to us that spring! 

All the cares of toil and labor 

Quickly changed to keen delight; 

Just to live and love and own him 

Made the darkest day seem bright. 

Day by day he grew in beauty. 
Face and form, oh, wondrous fair! 
Till there seemed to shine a halo 
Around his head of golden hair, 
Not unlike the holy Christ-child, 
As He graced His mother's arms ; 
Such was he — our lovely Blue-Eyes, 
With his wealth of baby charms. 

Then I dreamed of good and great men — 

Blue-Eyes should be one when grown — 

And each day in prayer I bore him 

Up to God to use and own. 

Much the world had need of Samuels, 

Like the one of olden time; 

Such I deemed the Lord was calling. 

And I boldly offered mine. 

But my ways were not as God's ways, 
And, in passing by, one day, 
[13] 



Through His garden gath'ring lilies, 

Bore He our Blue-Eyes away. 

Oh, how soon our skies were darkened ! 

How the rain-clouds hid the sun ! 

Gone, our joy and richest treasure! 

Gone, our lovely little one ! 

Who could measure all our heartaches? 

Who could sound our depths of love ? 

Who could know our grief and anguish 

When he passed with Him above? 

But 'twas not for us to murmur, 

For we knew 'twas kind of God 

To have let us love an angel 

And we meekly kissed the rod. 

So we took the little temple 

That had never been defiled. 

And in snowy garments clothed it. 

As became a little child; 

And we kissed the marble forehead. 

And caressed the golden hair. 

And a spray of August lilies 

Placed we in the hands so fair ; 

So we left it — in the bosom 

Of Old Mother Earth to be. 

Till his little angel spirit 

Comes again to set it free. 

And the form in which we knew him 

Puts on immortality. 

[14] 



A WELCOME AUTOCRAT 

A KING has come to live with us; 
His throne's a great high chair; 
His scepter grand, a stick with bells, 
His crown, his own bright hair. 

He speaks a language quite unknown 

To us who own his sway. 
Yet smiles and frowns ofttimes suffice; 

We do his will straightway. 

But when we fail to understand. 

Into a rage he flies ; 
With clenched fists he pounds his throne. 

And lightnings fill his eyes. 

Then quickly gathers all his court — 
In vain we stand and think — 

What can the tyrant mean by this, 
" A-gink ! a-gink ! a-gink ! " 

We bring him all the gifts we know 

Have pleased him oft before. 
But in disgust he cries, " A-gink ! " 

And sweeps them to the floor. 

At last he spies the water glass 

I'm holding in my hand, 
Then, pointing, cries, "A-gink! a-gink!" 

And then we understand. 
[15] 



Then, having had " A-gink," how sweet 

The smiles he can bestow ! 
We quite forget his wrath and frown — 

He makes us love him so. 

Today he puckered up his lips 
And cried, " For 'oo a tiss ! " 

Now, who would not a subject be 
To such a king as this? 



[16] 



TO A LITTLE CHILD 

DEAR little child, each day I love thee more, 
And with rare pride I watch thee wax and 
grow, 
And wait with patience for a word or sign 
To show my love retui-ned — I love thee so ! 

Each knowing look, each smile, each tender 

touch 
Of thy soft hands upon my cheek and brow, 
I deem a token of thy growing love 
Which I desire — all thou canst give me now. 

Thy eyes, so blue and clear, pierce every shield 
I needs must place before my erring heart, 
And lay to view each secret scar and stain, 
And make me feel anew their sting and smart. 

Thy little lips so pure, pressed to my own. 
Bring back to life each buried blush of shame. 
And cause the penitential tear to flow — 
Oh, may thy own be free from words of blame ! 

Dear child, so pure, so innocent and good, 
I see in thee the Christ — the Sinless One ! 
And may He, as thy years come on apace, 
Still keep thee pure — my own, my little son. 



[17] 



LEARNING TO WALK 

STEADY now, my little man! 
Try to stand straight if you can ; 
You will never learn at all 

If you lean against that wall. 
Now, when I count, one — two — three, 
See if you can walk to me. 

" One, two, three ! Come, come, I say. 
Step out boldly, that's the way ! 

Steady, steady, never fear; 
Daddy's arms are very near. 

Just a few more steps — hurray ! 

Baby's learned to walk today." 



I am learning, too, today. 

How to walk upon life's way. 

And my Father's face I see, 
At the end awaiting me. 

If I stumble, dread or fear, 

'Tis His gentle voice I hear, 

Saying, " Courage, never doubt. 
My strong arms are reaching out, 

When you near your journey's end 
I my helping hand will lend." 

Safe at last, from dangers free. 

His strong arms will compass me. 
[18] 



WAITING AT THE GATE 

AT the garden gate my Baby Blue 
Each day would wait for me, 
With his chubby face pressed to the space 
Between the pales to see. 

O the joy that came to Baby Blue 
When he would open wide 
The old garden gate, and stand and wait, 
And beg of me a ride ! 

And when there were times that I'd be late. 
To all who'd pass he'd say 
In tones quite sad, " Have you seen my dad? 
He's \ erry late today ! " 

O the years have flown, but still I see 
His little face close-pressed 
To a pearly gate, where angels wait 
For those they love the best. 

And I know he asks each passing soul 
If they've seen me anywhere, 
But I can not come till work is done 
To him who's waiting there. 

Dear child, I had hoped it would be I, 
Who'd watch and wait for you — 
I'm a little late, but just you wait, 
I'll come when work is through. 
[19] 



BABY'S HORSE 

I'M a balky horse for baby — 
Anything to please, 
I must gallop 'round the room 

On my hands and knees. 
Firmly seated on my back, 

Daring rider, he. 
Pulling at my hair — the reins — 

Yells and laughs with glee. 
I must gallop, plunge, and rear. 
Kick my hind legs in the air, 

Else I wouldn't be — 

" A balk-ee hors-ee." 

I'm a gentle horse for baby. 

To the stable go, 
Back behind some parlor chairs 

Standing in a row, 
I must try and make believe 

I am eating hay. 
While with brush and comb he stands. 

Combs and combs away. 
I must stand so very still. 
Must not stamp my feet until 

He has curried me — 

" Like a good hors-ee." 

I would rather be a play-horse 
For my baby boy 
[20] 



Than the man with lands and gold 
Who ne'er knew the joy. 

Gladly will I plunge and rear, 
Kick my hind legs in the air, 
Make believe I'm eating hay 

While he combs and combs away, 
If I can only be — 

" A hors-ee for bab-ee." 



[21] 



WHAT THE LITTLE WINDS SAID 

O LITTLE Winds of the summer night, 
Pray what can the matter be? 
Like merry children you linger near 
As though you would speak to me. 

I raised the sash of my bedroom high, 
And the Little Winds came through, 
And danced around the chair where I sat. 
Just like happy children do. 

They thrust their hands through my scanty 

hair. 
And then, when I tried to doze. 
They tossed my papers about my desk 
And tugged at my sleeping clothes. 

When gathered about my chair at last. 
Quite tired of fun and play, 
I said to them, " Come, tell me, my dears, 
What were you doing today .^ " 

The one said, " Sir, I have spent my time 
Close by a little child's bed, 
And kissed his cheeks and his fevered lips. 
And cooled his hot, aching head." 

The next one said, " I have gone all day 
To where fragrant flowers bloom, 
[22] 



And blew great waves of their scented sweets 
Right into the sick child's room." 

The third had been where the brooklets plaj, 
And wild birds carol and trill, 
And brought the songs that it heard them sing 
To please the dear child so ill. 

At eventime, when the doctor came 
And whispered, " Thank God " and smiled, 
They said they bore up a thankful prayer 
To Him who had spared the child. 

I kindly thanked the dear Little Winds, 
As they kissed and left me there. — 
The child was mine that they told about, 
And so was the thankful prayer. 



[23] 



A BOY'S TREASURES 

THE drawer in the library table 
Is filled with Bob's stuff to the brim ; 
No one in the house dare disturb it, 
Because it belongs all to him. 

One time he was sick with the measles, 
And asked me to get him his book, 

He said, " In my drawer you will find it — 
I'm sure it is there if you look." 

So that's how I came to go through it, 
And here's what a boy treasures up — 

A squirt gun, a pen, colored crayons, 
A knife and an old drinking cup. 

Some marbles, a tie pin, a baseball, 
A reel of pink twine for his kite, 

A lot of lead soldiers, all battered 
As though they had been in a fight. 

A paint box, some brushes and pencils, 
A slingshot, a blow-pipe and peas, 

The tail of a rabbit, a mouse trap 
All ready and baited with cheese. 

Some nails, a small hammer and chisel. 

A saw and a bicycle bell, 
A mouth-organ, jewsharp and whistle, 

A piece of a bright colored shell. 
[24] 



A watch chain, a small pocket mirror, 
A fish line, a cork and a hook, 

And there, underneath this confusion, 
I found what I sought for — his book. 



[25] 



THE LOST BABY 

HAS anyone seen our baby, pray? 
He surely must have passed this way — 
He wore a gingham apron blue, 
A little dress of pinkish hue; 
His cheeks were like two roses red, 

And golden curls hung 'round his head ; 
His eyes were like fair summer skies, 
That looked at you quite overwise. 

What! Found him? Really, this can't be 

Our little one! Come, let me see! 
The face and eyes are his, I ween — 

What can this transformation mean? 
No apron, frock or golden curls? 

" Dem fings are onl}^ worn by dirls — 
Big boys like me wear bloomers, an' 

Today I's changed into a man." 



[26] 



DEAR LITTLE ROBBER OF LOVE 

YOUR bright eyes have sought out the way 
to my heart — 
The cave where love-treasure is stored; 
Your sesame smile has flung open its doors ; 
You've taken armfulls of my hoard. 

But come, little bandit, and go at your will; 

Though robbed of some love, need I care? 
You leave in its stead the red gems of your lips, 

And bright yellow gold of your hair. 

Be careful, my dear, lest your sesame smiles 
Should fade from your fair face away — 

You then would be caught in the cave of my 
heart. 
My captive for e'er and a day. 



[27] 



WHO IS IT? 

WHO is it is so tired 
At the closing of the day ? 
Who is it washed and ironed 

And put dolly's things away? 
Who is it is so sleepy 

When she climbs upon my knee? 
" I do not know e-zactly, 
But I dess 'at's me." 

Who is it is so sorry 

That she broke the china vase? 
Who is it teased the kitty 

And got scratches on her face? 
Who promised just this morning 

A much better child to be ? — 
" I do not know e-zactly, 
But I dess 'at's me." 

Who wants to hear the story 
Of old Santa and his deer? 

Who wants to count the Sundays 
Until Christmas-time is here? 

Who wants to be " real goody " — 
Just as good as good can be? — 

" I do not know e-zactly, 

But I dess 'at's me." 



[28] 



Who wants to write to Santa 
So he'll know just what to bring? 

Who wants a nice, new dolly 

That can laugh and cry and sing? 

Who wants a " barrel of candy " 

And a " great, big Christmas tree? "- 

" I do not know e-zactly, 

But I dess 'at's me." 



[29] 



TH' SHOW US FELLERS HAD 

ONE time us fellers had a show 
In Squire Simpson's barn; 
We promised him we'd be real good 
And do his horse no harm, 
So, first we stretched a tight-rope up. 
Then hung up a trapeze — 
Bob Smith said he would walk th' rope, 
And hang on by his knees ; 
Tim Burke said he would turn handsprings, 
And I should " skin th' cat." 
While Willie Jones would be th' clown 
And wear a paper hat. 

Bob Smith said 'at we orter have 

Some cur-i-osity, 

But no one seemed to know jess what 

Th' thing should really be, 

'En, all at once, he said, " I know ! 

We'll turn th' horse about. 

An' hang a blanket 'cross th' stall 

So 'at he can't look out. 

An' then we'll paint a great, big sign — 

" G-R-E-A-T C-r-R-I-O-S-I-T-Y ! 

A REAL. UVE HORSE WHOSE HEAD IS WHERE 

His BUSHY tail should be ! " 

On " Smithy's " printing-press we made 
Some hand-bills plain and neat, 
[30] 



And passed 'em round to everyone 

That lived upon our street, 

And lots of folks grew curious, 

And came around to see 

Th' horse, we advertised, whose head 

Was where his tail should be. 

They laughed an' laughed, 'most fit to kill, 

An' said th' joke was great. 

We made 'em promise not to tell, 

An' " roped in " twenty-eight. 

Our door receets, we found, was, cash. 

Two dollars, ninety-four. 

Besides th' apples, knives an' pins. 

An' chewing gum galore. 

We ate th' apples, chewed th' gum, 

And spent th' cash fer cream ; 

Each got a pocketknife — th' pins 

We gave to Granny Beam. 



[31] 



SANTA'S LITTLE ONES 

DEAR old Santa was as busy 
As a nailer, making toys, 
In his home far in the Northland, 
For ten million girls and boys. 
Everyone was in a hurry. 
And his helpers by the score 
Kept the merry anvils ringing 
Loud above the North Wind's roar. 

Skates and sleds and guns and sabres 
Stood about in shining rows, 
Dolls of every tribe and nation, 
Dressed in quaint and pretty clothes, 
Animals both fierce and peaceful 
From the North to torrid zone, 
Stood about awaiting transfer 
To wee hands to love and own. 

Promptly on the stroke of midnight 
Everything was in its place, 
And the reindeer stood, impatient, 
Anxious for the jolly race. 
Snugly wrapped in furs of sable, 
Santa took his reins and whip. 
And with loud and cheery whistle 
They were off with jump and skip. 



[32] 



Swiftly then through town and city, 
At each home where lived a child 
Did he leave his pretty presents, 
As they sweetly slept and smiled. 
Here and there he found wee stockings 
He had never seen before. 
And he saw their owners sleeping 
As he passed their bed-room door. 

Here and there, alas, were missing 
Little socks he used to know, 
And the little beds were empty 
That were filled a year ago. 
In his book of names of children 
Here he drew the glory line — 
"They belong to Him," he whispered, 
" I no longer claim them mine." 

Then he brushed away a teardrop. 
And a prayer he softly said. 
Asking God to send the Christ-Child 
To each saddened home instead. 

All night long through town and city 
Sped old Santa in his sleigh. 
Leaving gifts of toys and sweet-meats 
For each child along the way. 
All night long the magic music 
Of his bells rang free and strong. 
While the missing ones up yonder 
Sang the old, old, glory song. 
[33] 



WHEN MOTHER WARMED MY 
LITTLE HANDS 

TODAY my hands and feet were cold, 
And as I tramped through sleet and rain, 
Fond memories began to rise 
Like sunshine out of clouded skies, 
And childhood days came back again. 

I saw myself a boy once more 
And with my playmates on the hill. 
We drew by rope an old-time sled 
My father made and painted red, 
And I steered down for Frank and Bill. 

Those days my hands and feet were cold ; 
(So cold at times I could have cried) 
But feared to whimper or complain 
To comrades of the biting pain, 
And bravely marched on by their side. 

But, oh, dear mother, don't you know, 
How, soon as I'd come home to you, 
I'd burst out crying bitterly 
Because I knew you'd pity me. 
And do what loving mothers do ? 

You'd take my little hands so cold, 
And hold them tight between your own. 
Then breathe on them your breath so warm, 
[34] 



Or snugly tuck them neath your arm, 
And silence every sob and moan. 

You'd then draw off my brass-tipped boots, 
Remove my little coat and cap, 
Then set me snugly up beside 
The oven door you'd opened wide, 
And I'd sit there and doze and nap. 

Today my hands and feet were cold. 
And though a man, I longed for you. 
And wished I were a boy again, 
So you could still the hurt and pain. 
And do just as you used to do. 



[35] 



PART II 



SUNSET TOWN 

EVERY evening, just at twilight, 
Up the road from Sunset Town, 
Comes the Sandman in his auto, 
Passing swiftly up and down 

All the streets where live wee children 
Blowing all the while his sand 

Through the keyholes, doors and windows 
From a bellows in his hand. 

Soon the little ones are rubbing 
Tired eyes that smart with pain, 

Soon each little head is nodding 
Like a poppy in the rain. 

Quickly then the loving mothers 

Dress them in their gowns of white, 

Hear them say their, " Now I lay me's," 
Tuck them in and kiss good-night. 

But the Sandman has been watching. 
And as soon as they're asleep. 

Off he bears them in his auto. 

With its cushions soft and deep. 

To old Sunset Town out yonder. 
Somewhere in the golden west. 

Just beyond the range of mountains 

Where the sun has gone to rest. 

[39] 



Sunset Town is fair and lovely, 
And the sunlight is so bright 

That to ope your eyes would blind you, 
So each one must shut them tight. 

You can see right through your eyelids 
And it's natural, don't you think. 

That the things you see about you 
Are a shade of sea-shell pink. 

Sunset Town is in a valley 

With high mountains all around. 

Trees that bear fine toys and sweetmeats 
Can 'most anywhere be found. 

All you have to do is touch them 
And the things you want fall down 

On the grass that grows a-plenty 
On the streets of Sunset Town. 

All the houses built of mint sticks 

In a semi-circle stand, 
Near a lake of soda water 

With a beach of sugar sand. 

Here the children love to gather 
And mould piles of pie and cake. 

Which they eat when they are hungry 
Without fear of pain or ache. 
[40] 



All they have to do when thirsty 
Is to dip and drink their fill 

From the lake of soda water 
That will never make them ill. 

Here the little waves come rippling 
To the shore and kiss their feet, 

Nursery rhymes the while repeating 
In a language quaint and sweet. 

In the lake upon an island 
Stands the castle of the Sun, 

Where upon his throne he watches 
All the children at their fun. 

Tiny ships there are in plenty. 
And each child a trip may take 

To the castle in the centre 
Of the soda water lake. 

Here the sun keeps all his treasures. 
Casks and casks of honey-dew, 

That the flowers pay as tribute — 
(He may offer some to you.) 

There you, too, can see him working. 
Spinning sunbeams of pure gold. 

To replace all that are tarnished 
Or in any way look old. 

[«] 



For the Sun's a proud old fellow, 

And he never would be seen 
Wearing beams all bent or crooked, 

Or the slightest bit unclean. 

In the cellar of his castle 

He may show you where he keeps 
Tanks of rain — and hail, and snowflakes 

Piled about in glist'ning heaps. 

In a dungeon 'neath his castle, 

Under heavy lock and key, 
Are the thunder-clouds and lightning 

That he will not let you see. 

But in passing you can hear them 
As they clash and tear about. 

Waiting for the proper moment 
For the Sun to let them out. 

Ere you leave his lovely castle 

He will slip a beam or two 
'Neath each eyelid, and your lips will 

Taste of sweetest honey-dew. 

Then the Sandman brings his auto 
And, before you turn your head, 

You are home again with mother, 
In vour cozy little bed. 
[42] 



And you tell her all about it, 

And she says she knows it's true, 

For your eyes are flashing sunbeams 
And your lips drip honey-dew. 



[43] 



THE LAND OF SWEET SURPRISE 

A FAIRY came to me one night 
And stood beside my bed, 
She touched me with her magic wand, 

And, smiling, sweetly said, 
" Come, little one, 'tis plain to see 

You've had a trying day ; 

I'll bear you far 

Past moon and star, 
Up to the Milky Way ; 

And you shall be 

My guest, and see 
The fairy folk at play." 

She wore a dress of gauzy stuff. 

With silver stars bedight ; 
Her flowing hair, like sunbeams, spread 

About its golden light. 
Her little lips were sea-shell pink 

With rows of pearls between. 

Her deep blue eyes 

Like evening skies. 
Were lit with starry gleam. 

And when she smiled 

Rich perfumes, mild. 
Came to me in my dream. 

With incantations, soothing, sweet. 
And wavings of her wand, 
[44] 



She changed me to a fairy child 

And took me by the hand, 
Then, like the sun-chased mists at morn, 

We seemed to slowly rise, 

Then sail away, 

Two spirits gay, 
Up to the starry skies. 

Where golden light 

Shut out the night — 
To Land of Sweet Surprise. 

Among the fields of Asphodel 

We joined the fairy throngs. 
We danced before the fairy queen 

And sang their pretty songs ; 
The flowers all were chiming bells 

That played the music sweet. 

And, holding hands. 

In happy bands 
We trod with tripping feet 

The Milky Way 

Till Old Man Day 
Came out to sweep the street. 

He chased us with his sunbeam-broom. 

And off^ to earth we flew. 
To rest and hide in forests deep 

Where ferns and mosses grew. 
We sipped from cups the mosses held 

The nectar sweet and cool, 
[45] 



Then underneath 

A big fern leaf, 
Beside a a mirror-pool, 

I went to bed, — 

Then someone said, 
" Wake up ! It's time for school ! " 



[46] 



"TH' GOOD MAN'S SPRINKLE CART 

I ASKED my papa t'other day, 
What was 'at awful sound 
'At shakes our house an' frikens me, 
An' tremmels all th' ground. 
An' why th' sky gets very dark. 
When 'tisn't night, but day ; 
An' why th' lights shoot out th' sky 
In such a dwedful way 
'At I must close my eyes tight, so — 
An' hold my ears shut, too. 
To keep th' lights an' rumbles out — 
'Cause I'm afraid. Ain't you ? 
But papa, he jess laughs at me. 
An' says I mus'n't care. 
As it's th' Good Man's sprinkle cart 
A-drivin' through th' air. 

He says ten thousand horses pull. 
An' 'at th' awful sound 
Is when they're runnin' through th' sky. 
An' th' big wheels go 'round. 
But then, it makes me feel so 'fraid 
'At when He cracks His lash, 
'Cause 'at's what papa says it is 
'At makes the lightning flash. 
But I jess close my eyes shut, so — 
An' hold my ears shut, too. 
To keep th' lights an' rumbles out, 
[47] 



'Cause I'm afraid. Ain't you? 

But papa, he jess laughs at me, 

An' says I mus'n't be, 

'Cause God, who drives th' sprinkle cart, 

Jess loves children like me. 



[48] 



WHEN THE STORM BAND COMES 

LONG before the storm band comes 
You can hear its thunder-drums, 
And the children of the sky run out to see; 

When the lightning's cymbals flash, 
And the small drums roll and crash. 

You can hear them clap their hands and shout 
Avith glee. 

Then the flute and piccolo 

Set the melody aflow, 
And the cornets of the wind ring loud and clear ; 

And the rain, with sudden pour, 
Follows up the music's score, 

And the children of the sky clap hands and 
cheer. 

Then the Master with His wand 

Stops the music of the band. 
And a trombone solo starts up, quaintly sweet ; 

Then the rest with mighty din 
At the chorus all join in. 

And the children give applause with hands 
and feet. 

Then the drums, all beating time. 

Call the players into line. 
And the mother-sun comes out to see them go; 

And she hands a pot of gold 
To each player, we are told. 

Which he buries at the foot of the rainbow. 
[49] 



o 



OLD MISTER NORTH WIND 

LD Mister North Wind is a gruff little 
man, 

But I know that his heart is gay; 
Though he raves and roars at the windows and 
doors, 
You can hear his laugh far away. 
He says, " Ha ! Ha ! He ! Hee-ee ! — 
If you're good, you needn't fear mee-e-e, 
If you're bad, I'll surely catch youu-u-u; 
Boo! Hoof Boo! Hoo! Boo! Hoo-o-o-! " 

Old Mister North Wind is a droll little man. 

For he gathered dead leaves today ; 
And heaped them all in the corner of a wall. 
Then took them and threw them away. 
Then said, " Ha ! Ha ! He ! Hee-e-e ! — 
If you're good, you needn't fear mee-e-e. 
If you're bad, I'll surely catch youu-u-u; 
Boo! Hoo! Boo! Hoo! Boo! Hoo-o-o-! '' 

Old Mister North Wind is a kind little man. 

For when I'm asleep in my bed. 
He covers o'er nice all the streams with his ice. 
And scatters down snow for my sled. 
At work he sings, " He ! Hee-e-e ! — 
If you're good, you needn't fear mee-e-e. 
If you're bad, I'll surely catch youu-u-u; 
Boo! Hoo! Boo! Hoo! Boo! Hoo-o-o-! " 
[50] 



THE PIPERS OF THE MARSH 

I HAVE often heard the minstrels of the 
marsh, 
When they take their pipes and play in early 
spring, 
And if I am not amiss 
It was something near like this 
That one night I heard them plainly chorusing ; 
" Pee Wee ! Pee Wee ! Wee Wee Wee ! 
Pee Wee ! Pee Wee ! Pee Pee ! " 

Now the song they sing is hard to understand. 
Yet a frog in confidence told it to me. 

That a froglet stole a kiss 

From a little lizard Miss, 
(It was very dark and froggy couldn't see) 

And the lizard's name was Wee, 

And the froggie's name was Pee, 
But a thing like that in Marshland ne'er 
could be ! 

So the frogs all called a meeting that same 
night, 

And the lizards held another close at hand. 
To decide what should be done 
With this daughter and this son; 

So they put them out to live upon the land. 
Now each froggie whistles, " Pee ! " 
And each lizard answers, " Wee ! " 

So it can't occur again, I understand. 
[51] 



THE SONG THE TWILIGHT SANG 

I ASKED fleeting Twilight to sing me a 
song; 
Sing of herself to me, 
As softly the shadows came creeping along, 
After the Day was free. 

And this is the song that the Twilght sang. 

Sang it softly and low, 
When the sun had set and the night bells rang, 

To me in the afterglow. 

" I am a fairy maid ; 

Of my dark hair, 

I weave Night's slumber robe, 

Light as the air. 

" My busy fingers fly 
Through bush and tree, 
O^er woodland deep and high. 
O'er land and sea. 

" On beams of moon and star. 
Pearls of bright dew, 
I string and weave them in. 
Here — there — a few. 

" Deftl}^, in my design 
I leave a place, 

[52] 



So babes and mothers may 
See God's kind face. 

" Soft, soothing lullabys, 
Weaving, I sing; 
To weary little eyes 
Sweet sleep I bring." 



[53] 



MY STORY BOOK 

MY story book's a lovely house 
That some one built for girls and 
boys; 
Each page is just a little room 
Where I can make a jolly noise. 

I've found a hundred rooms or more 
Whose doors all open at my touch; 
Each room contains some sweet surprise 
That girls and boys love very much. 

In every room some people live 
Who very pleasing actors are; 
I'm well acquainted with them all, 
And very friendly with each star. 

Sometimes, in dreams, these picture-folk 
Come from my book and sing and play. 
And if it's in the afternoon, 
They let me have a matinee. 

So that's why, when the rain pours down, 
And I can't play with ball and bat, 
I love to visit all my friends 
Inside my book, and laugh and chat. 



[54] 



MY GRANTA 

SEE, I've a penny — 
You haven't any — 
My gran'pa jess gave it to me; 
He's th' goodest gran'pa 
'At you ever saw ; 

No gran'pa could be good as he. 

An' when I jess say 
To him, Hke this way, 

" Has gran'pa a penny for me? " 
He says, " I don't know — 
I guess I have, tho'," 

'En I climb right up on his knee. 

'En out comes his purse, 
'At's old, an' is worse 

'An most anything could jess be; 
He presses th' spring. 
An' we both peep in. 

An' — there is a penny for me ! 

He gives it to me, 

'En says, " Let me see — 

An' now what do I get for this ? " 
An' then I jess know 
He wants me to throw 

My arms 'round his neck for a kiss. 

[55] 



He's th' kindest gran'pa 
'At you ever saw, 

'Cause when he's asleep in his chair 
Sometimes he lets me 
Plait his whiskers to see 

How funny he looks; he don' care. 

Now who ever saw 
So good a gran'pa, 

'At would leave a wee girl do all that, 
Or give her a penny 
'Enever he'd any, 

An' leave all his whiskers be plait? 



[56] 



ORDERING A BABY BROTHER 

DEAR Doctor, I'm so tired 
Of every doll and toy, 
And wish that you would bring us 
A real meat baby boy. 

A real live baby brother. 

With dimpled hands and face, 

Pa says they grow on bushes 
And that you know the place ; 

That after stormy weather 
Ripe babies may be found 

Among the deep soft mosses 
That grow upon the ground. 

So yesterday I emptied 
My bank upon the floor 

And counted — fifteen dollars — 
I hope they don't cost more. 

So when there's stormy weather. 
And you are going there. 

Please bring a boy-one with you. 
Or, sooner, bring a pair. 

For I am dreadful lonely. 
And tired of each toy. 

And if you can't find twin-ones. 
Just bring the baby boy. 
[57] 



THE BOY THAT MOVED NEXT DOOR 

^ 'npHE little boy that moved next door 
-■- Must like me, for 3'ou see, 
Whenever I am in our yard. 
He says, ' Hello ! ' to me. 

" When he is out and I am in. 
He calls, ' Girl-ee ! Girl-ee ! ' 
And when I come, he only smiles, 
And says, ' Hello ! ' to me. 

" He makes bouquets of ' pussy tails,' 
Tomato stalks and pea. 

Then hands them through the fence and says, 
' Hello ! ' (They are for me.) 

" One time he kissed me through the fence, 

And then to hold me there 

He puts his arms around my neck 

And pulled my curly hair. 

" And when I cried he cried along. 
And said, ' Don't kie, girl-ee ' — 
And when I kissed him back, he smiled, 
And said, ' Hello ! ' to me." 



[58] 



PLAYIN' MAKE BELIEVE 

THIS here playin' make believe 
You're a man like pa, 
Seems to please most every one, 

All exceptin' ma, — 
She 'ist calls me Baby Ben, 

Ever since I know 
Anything of names an' 'cause 
She 'ist loves me so. 

When I fall and hurt myself 

Ev'ry one cries, " Fie ! 
Can't you be a big brave man ? — 

Brave men never cry ! " 
But ma takes me on her lap, 

Hugs me close an' 'en 
Kisses hard the place 'at's hurt 

Till it's well again. 

Once I ran a splinter in — 

Slidin' down a board, 
An' it hurt so dwedfully, 

I 'ist fairly roared. 
Ev'ry one said, " Bah, who'd care ; 

Turn yourse'f about ! " 
An' they came 'ith 'nives an' pins 

For to take it out. 



[59] 



But ma never let 'em near, 

She 'ist said to me, 
" Where did Baby hurt himse'f - 

Let your mommer see? " 
'En she tells me, lovin' like, 

'Cross her 'nee to lay. 
Press my teeth together hard — 

Make the pain go 'way, 

'En she draws it 'fore I know 

What has happened, 'en. 
Puts on salve and ties it up. 

An' it's good again. 
This here playin' make believe 

You're a man like pa. 
Seems to please most every one. 

All exceptin' ma. 



[60] 



WHEN THE BEAR COMES TO TOWN 

THE bugle's blare up on the air 
Foretells the coming of the bear: 
Tra-lay, tralla-loo, 
Tra-lay, tralla-loo, 
Tra-lay, tralla-loo, tra-lee! 
'Mid hurried tramp of many feet, 
The children gather in the street. 
And half in fear they stand and stare, 
And form a gaping circle there. 

" Ona da sholda taka da gun ! " 

The pole is tossed and caught — what fun — 

But all press back with fear and dread 

When bruin growls and shakes his head. 

The trainer then, with droning sound. 

Sings while the bear goes round and round, 

" Rumm, tarry-umm, tarry-umm, tumm, tumm, 

Rumm, tarry-umm, tumm, tee." 

" Taka da sombleset, Choll-ee ! " 

The children laugh and shout with glee 

As " Choll-ee's " head bends to his feet, 

Then turns a somersault complete: 

Then while the hat is passed around. 

Again he dances to the sound — 

" Rumm, tarry-umm, tarry-umm, tumm, tumm, 

Rumm, tarry-umm, tumm, tee ! " 

[61] 



WHEN THE ELEPHANT WAS KING 

IN Jungleland the Elephant 
Unpacked his trunk one day, 
For he'd been traveling with a show 
And had come home to stay. 

And all the folk of Jungleland 

Came crowding 'round to see 
The funny things he'd brought with him, 

And what their use could be. 

He dressed up in a suit of clothes 

Of white, with spots of red. 
He took a little paper hat 

And tied it on his head. 

He sat down on a mossy rock 

Beneath a high palm tree, 
And said, " From this day forth I'm King, 

And you my court shall be." 

The tall Giraffe stood near him as 

He fanned the flies away; 
The Lion and the Tiger brought 

Great bales of new mown hay. 

The Monkeys brought a nugat cake, 

The Leopard, lemonade; 
The Kangaroo, a bag of nuts 

And fudge — the best home-made. 

[62] 



The Ostrich gave a willow plume 

And one of his large eggs, 
The birds made garlands which looked well 

Around his neck and legs. 

Inside the trunk that Elephant 

Had brought, these things were found - 
A pair of cymbals and a drum 

To make a jolly sound. 

The Lion said, " O Mighty King, 

I, too, have been away ; 
I know how these things should be used. 

Oh, won't you let me play? " 

" Oh, very well," said Elephant 

" I'd really like to see 
How good a leader of the band 

A lion beast can be." 

So while his Kingship drank and dined. 

The music rose and fell. 
When suddenly he felt a push 

That fairly made him yell. 

He quickly turned around to see 
Whence came that sudden jar — 

'Twas all a dream — the engineer 
Had coupled on his car. 

[63] 



THE HOMESICK BOY 

I'LL never go a-visiting 
No more — you bet I shan't! 
No never, never, anywhere — 
Not even to my aunt! 

'Cause when, last summer, she was here. 
She coaxed my mother so 
To let her take me home with her, 
Until she let me go. 

Aunt said the country was the place 

For just such chaps like me, 

With all its lovely fields and hills — 

The grandest sight to see. 

Where I could breathe the purest air. 

And yell and jump and run. 

And feed the horses, cows and sheep. 

And have the bestest fun ; 

That I might hunt for nests of eggs 

Amongst the straw and hay. 

And help old Rover bring the cows 

At milking time each day ; 

And lots and lots of other things 

She said that I might do, 

(Besides the things I'd get to eat) 

Till I coaxed mother, too. 

Next day Ma packed my things for me 
In Daddy's old suit case, 
[64] 



And hugged and kissed me lots of times 
And smoothed my hands and face. — 
Her eyes were teary when she said, 
" Be good, my little Jack, 
And Saturda}^, if all goes well, 
I'll come and bring you back." 

The train arrived, we got on board. 

And left Ma standing there. 

So sadly-like, a-waving her 

White kerchief in the air. — 

I leaned out of the windoAV, and 

I waved mine back until 

She seemed to melt to nothing and — 

And I felt kinda ill. 

Just then we passed the base ball park 

And " fight " was in the air, — 

The Blues and Grays were playing and 

And I — I wasn't there ! 

Our side was in, and I could see 

That every base was filled. 

And Willie Jones, who couldn't hit 

A ball if he was killed, 

Was at the bat instead of me — 

I almost tore my hair. 

To think he'd never bring them home. 

And I — I wasn't there ! 

I looked as far as I could look 
To see how things would end, 
[65] 



And lost my cap jest as the train 
Went swinging 'round the bend, 
And left me wondering who w ould win, 
And what would be the score, 
Till I was sorry I had come — 
(I'll not go 'way no more.) 

At last we came to Pleasantville 
And Uncle Jake was there, 
A-waiting for us with his rig 
And Bess, the old gray mare. 
That Aunt had said was gentle-like, 
And wouldn't kick or shy, 
And I might ride her any time 
If I would care to try. 

Old Uncle Jake jest smiled and smiled, 
And let me hold the whip. 
And chase the flies from Bessie's ears 
By touching with its tip, 
And by and by, he let me hold 
The reins and say, " Gidd-app ! " 
As often as I wanted while 
He took a little nap. 

When we arrived where Uncle lives 
He helped us both get out, 
And said that I might help unhitch 
And kinda look about. 
And get acquainted with the place, 
[66] 



And have a bully time, 

And make believe I was a man, 

And that the farm was mine. 

Aunt Crissy makes the bestest things, 

And I jest et and et. 

Until I couldn't eat no more — 

Oh, I was full, you bet ! 

Then, after while, she lit the lamp 

And put the things away. 

And we sat out upon the porch 

With Uncle Jake, — and say ! 

He told the greatest stories 'bout 

Some bears, and Injuns, too. 

And 'bout the war of sixty-one 

That Aunty said were true. 

Then by and by, he said he guessed 

We'd better go to bed. — 

He wound the little cuckoo clock 

And from the Bible read, 

Then prayed for Pa and Ma and me, 

And all the folks he knew ; 

Then showed me to my room and said, 

" Sweet dreams, my boy, to you." 

I tried to go to sleep, but Oh ! — 
The old house seemed so still ; 
Outside the crickets chirruped and 
The bullies croaked until 
I thought I'd go clean crazy, and 
[67] 



Felt almost fit to die, 

And then, before I knew it, why — 

I jest began to cry. 

It seemed so very lonely with 

Dear Ma so far away ; 

Oh, how I cried and cried and cried. 

And wished that it was day. — 

I wondered if she missed her boy 

Away off there in town, 

And if she, too, was crying and 

A-gulping big lumps down ? 

And then I softly tippytoed 

Across the room where I, 

There at the open window, looked 

Up at the deep blue sky. 

The big round moon seemed friendly and 

The stars and dipper, too; 

They seemed to say, " O little boy. 

Indeed we pity you." 

Next day, while I was catching fish 
Down near the old grist mill, 
I heard an auto honk ! honk ! honk ! 
And there, on top the hill. 
Who should I see but Daddy with 
Dear Mother by his side. 
And with a whoop of welcome that 
I really could not hide, 
I ran right out to meet them, and 
[68] 



We kissed and cried for joy — 

Ma said she hadn't slept a wink 

A-thinking of her boy, 

And Daddy said he'd come to take 

Me home that very day, 

As things were not the same at all 

Since I had gone away. 

So I'll ne'er go a-visiting 
No more — you bet I shan't ! — 
No never, never, anywhere — 
Not even to my aunt. 



[69] 



WHEN THE PARSON STOPPED 
FOR TEA 

' Ii^ N I come home from school at night, 

-1—^ An' find our parlor shutters 
A-standin' open very wide, 
My heart jess jumps an' flutters, 
'Cause 'en I know 'at someone's come, 
An's goin' to stop for tea. 
An' that we'll have good things to eat, 
'Cause we have companee. 

One time, 'en Parson Smiles was there 

An' I was peepin' in, 

I saw him 'ith our sterryscope, 

'At ma had giv' to him 

To 'muse hisse'f th' while, I guess, 

'At she an' sister Sue 

Went out to set th' table an' 

To make a chicken stew. 

'An while I was a-peepin' in, 

Th' shutter it banged to, 

An' hit my head so terriblee 

'At I jess yelled out, " Ou-u-u ! " 

An' ma came out an' marched me in 

An' stern voiced said to me, 

" I'll tell your pa 'en he comes home — 

He'll settle after tea ! " 

[70] 



An' 'en she said, " Go wash your face, 

An' tidy up your hair. 

An' brush your clo's as best you can, 

An' shine your shoes 'ith care ; 

An' 'en go in th' parlor — 

Act per-Hte as can be, 

'Cause you can't cut up your didoes 

'En company's here for tea." 

An' 'en I go in, sheepish like, 

An' say, " Good evenin'. Sir," 

An' edge behind th' sofa back, 

Half hidin', as it were, 

But Parson Smiles says, " Come, my boy, 

Let me shake hands 'ith thee — " 

An' says I've grown much taller since 

Last time he stopped for tea. 

An' while I'm settin' there so good 

I hear ma runnin' 'bout, 

Preparin' lots of things I like. 

An' gettin' jellies out; 

Th' smell of good things on th' stove 

Comes floatin' in to me — 

Th' parson smells 'em too an' seems 

Ileal glad he stopped for tea. 

An' 'en 'en everything is done. 
An' in its proper place, 
We all set down, look solumn, an' 
Th' parson offers grace. — 
'En he gets thro' we turn our plates 
[71] 



An' spread our napkins out, 

An' ma brings in hot waffle cakes 

An' passes 'em about, 

An' says, " Now parson, help yourself, 

An' do not back'ard be — 

('Cause ma likes folks to feel at home 

'En they stop here for tea.) 

Beside th' chicken an' th' cakes. 
There's sweet potatoes brown. 
Stewed corn an' peas, an' cel-cr-y, 
An' sugar cakes from town. 
Dill pickles in a bottle an' 
Some mangoes stuffed 'ith slaw, 
Spiced pears an' peaches, an' preserves 
'At no one makes like ma. 
An' for dessert, there's pumpkin pie. 
Cornstarch in moulds, an' cake, 
'Ith coc'nut icing inches thick, 
'At sister Sue helped make. 

One time 'en Parson Smiles was here, 
(You know he jess loves pie) — 
He said, " Your pumpkin pie is good ; 
Another piece I'll try." 
An' as I didn't have my piece, 
I jess let out an "Oh!" 
Because I couldn't help it 'en 
I saw that last piece go. 
[72] 



An' pa an' ma jess looked at me 
As tho' I said a curse, 
An' 'en he left, why, 'stead of pie, 
Pa gave me somethin' worse. 



[73] 



WHAT ONE BOY DID 



PAUL Pleasant, Doll Dimple, and Susanna 
Sweet, 
All lived with their parents on Good Children 

Street. 
Their homes were alike, built of stone, a fine 

brown. 
As some houses are in a suburban town. 



These children attended the very same school, 
Were apt at their studies, obeyed every rule. 
And honored their teacher as all scholars 

should. 
And she in turn loved them because they were 

good. 

When lessons were over they played in the 

square, 
With naught to molest them or cause them a 

care. 
They had a kind word for each one who 

passed by. 
And only through mishap w^as one known 

to cry. 

But one day a family moved into the street, 
Next door to Doll Dimple and Susanna Sweet. 
They had a boy Teddy, and "Temper" (he 
said) 

[74] 



Was what people called him — (his hair was 
brick red). 

Of course Master Ted, be it said to his shame, 
Very soon put an end to each frolic and game. 
He often played truant and fought with the 

boys. 
And teased little children, and stole all their toys. 

He lacked pleasing manners and ne'er tipped 

his hat. 
And had little love for a dog or a cat. 
He smoked cigarettes, and read " Deadwood 

Dicks," 
And played on the neighbors all sorts of mean 

tricks. 

He nicknamed his teacher and " sassed " back 

when she 
Once tried to correct him, as bold as could be. 
He caused so much trouble his folks moved 

away, 
But seeds that he planted are growing today. 

Paul smokes cigarettes — Doll's dimple is gone, 
Susanna's sweet face is quite sour and drawn, 
And Good Children Street is not known by that 

name — 
Folks call it " Street Temper." — My, my, 

what a shame! 

[75] 



CHRISTMAS DAY FER MINE 

I'M always glad at Christmas time, 
'Cause then there is no school, 
An' I try hard to be real good 

An' o-bey every rule. 
I never tease our dog or cat, 

Nor mock old Mister Smith, 
Who lisps, an' always says to me, 

" Whooth little boy ith thith? " 
I hang around our kitchen, most. 

An' watch my Ma an' Ann, 
'Cause when there's batter left from cakes 

I get what's in th' pan. 
I love to see Ma roll out dough 

Fer ginger-snaps, 'at she 
Cuts up 'ith moulds 'o tin an' makes 

A whole me-nag-e-rie. 
She gives me tastes 'o cinnamon 

An' sometimes citron, too. 
An' if there's any nuts, I coax 

Until I get a few. 
Sometimes 'en there's some batter left 

Ma bakes a cake fer me. 
An' then she says, " Now run an' play. 

An' please don't bother me." 
I sit out on our kitchen step 

An' eat it when it's cool, 
An' feel real glad it's Christmas time, 

An' that there is no school. 

[76] 



Memorial Day an' Fourth July 
An' Thanksgiving are fine, 

But when it comes to holidays, 
It's Christmas Day fer mine ! 



[77] 



" FIXING " THINGS WITH SANTA 

DEAR me, it's almost Christmas time. 
My letter I must write, 
And tell dear Santa all my wants. 
And get it off tonight. 

I'll pin it just outside the door, 

So when he passes 'round, 
His laughing eyes will plainly see 

Just where it can be found. 

And, mamma, you must help me spell 
Each word that's hard and long, 

For such a little girl like me 
Is sure to get some wrong. 

So now, dear Santa, I will say. 

That often in my bed 
The naughty things I've said and done 

Go flying through my head. 

That I just feel so very sad. 
And then sometimes I cry — 

It seems I can't be good at all, 
No matter how I try. 

But I will promise, and try hard, 

A better child to be. 
If you will just forgive this once, 

And be real kind to me. 
[78] 



The dollies sent me long ago 

Are either sick or dead; 
Blue Bell has lost an arm and leg, 

And Bess has cracked her head. 

Bedelia's eyes won't open up, 

Her hair's no longer sleek, 
Most all her sawdust has run out — 

Pa says she sprung a leak. 

The dishes, books and other things 
You sent are gone, I know — 

I guess somewhere there is a place 
Where all the lost things go. 

They say your fairies come at night, 

And take lost things away. 
And that you fix and paint them up 

To send next Christmas day. 

If this is true, and you don't mind, 

I'd sooner have mine new ; 
I don't like things that's been refixed — 

And really now, would you? 

Please send a doll with light blue eyes 

And golden hair — the kind 
That laughs and cries and walks and talks, 

That with a key you wind. 

[79] 



A go-cart, too, to wheel her 'round, 

A hat and parasol, 
A little bed to put her in, 

And, and — I guess that's all. 

Please, if you send these things to me, 

I'll try real hard to do 
The whole next year what mamma says, 

And papa wants me to. 



[80] 



THE LONELY TOAD 

BESIDE a lonely country road 
There lived a lonely country toad, 

Who sat beside his door all day 

And croaked to pass the time away. 
Quite tired of such loneliness, 
He packed his grip and hailed a buss. 
Resolved to find some place where he 
Could dwell with pleasant company. 

At eventime he spied a pool. 

With shaded waters, clear and cool; 

The air was filled with merry din — 

The sign it bore was, dew-drop inn. 
The autobuss was quickly stopped, 
And into dew-drop inn he popped. 
His room contained a mushroom bed. 
With toad-stools at the foot and head. 

For food they served stewed snails and wings 

Of dragon flies and other things ; 

From goblets that the mosses grew, 

He sipped bee-wine and honey-dew. 
An orchestra of crickets played 
A pleasing moonlight serenade. 
The katydid and tree toad sang 
A duet from a moss divan. 

Then, as the twilight grew to night. 

The place lit up with golden light. 

For here and there and round about, 

Each fire-fly hung his lantern out. 
[81] 



When, suddenly, out popped the moon. 
The fiddlers quickly changed their tune, 
And from the pool, all dripping wet. 
The guests all joined the minuet. 

They sang and danced and danced and sang, 
Till with their songs the woodland rang ; 
They played at leap-frog, tag and spy, 
Until the sun lit up the sky. 
The music ceased, the lights burned dim. 
And silence reigned at dew-drop inn. 
For all the toads went to their beds 
To rest their tired legs and heads, 
Except the country toad — Said he, 
" This gay life here 's too much for me ; 
I'll hie me back beside the road 
And be content — a country toad." 



[82] 



THE DOLL'S LAMENT 

OH, dear, I'm so tired of waiting 
Up here in the dust and the cold ; 
Why doesn't Blue Bell come and take me 

And play as she used to of old? 
I'm sure, if she knew where they placed me, 

She'd ask God to take me away, 

And not keep me waiting and waiting : 

Don't angels need dollies to play? 

Just once did they take me to see her. 

And put me beside her in bed. 
And oh, how she hugged me and kissed me. 

And nestled me close to her head. 
That night while the whole world was sleeping. 

And angels came down from the sky 
To take her, she kissed me and whispered, 

" Good-bye, dearest dolly, good-bye." 

And here from my seat at the window 

I see where they've laid her to rest. 
To sleep in the cold and the starlight. 

With no doll to press to her breast. 
O God, if there's room for this dolly, 

Come quickly and take me away, 
I'm so tired waiting and waiting: 

Don't angels need dollies to play? 



[83] 



THE ENGAGEMENT 

I'M so glad 'en my Ma takes 
Me to visit my Aunt Jane, 
'Cause I love th' big, long ride 
Out to Brookville on th' train. 

Ma al'ays buys things for me 
From th' train-boy passin' through, 
Popcorn, candy, chewing gum. 
An' sometimes an orange, too. 

I jess love to sit an' watch 
All th' things go whizzin' past 
Like a movin' picture show; 
Only things don't change so fast. 

At one station where we stopped, 
Folks was givin' folks goodby, 
An' I saw a lady kiss 
Her big boy an' made him cry. 

Maybe he was goin' far 
Off to China or Japan, 
An' would not come back again 
'Til he was a growed-up man. 

At one place a little girl 
An' her Ma got on, an' she 
Wouldn't sit nowhere except 
In th' seat 'longside of me. 
[84] 



She was awful nice, an' we 
Told each other ou-er names : 
Hers was Lilly Bell, an' mine 
I told her, was Willie James. 

I gave her some popcorn an' 
She gave me a nice blue plum, 
'En I gave her peanuts an' 
A whole pack of chewing gum. 

My, but she had shiny hair ! 
An' her eyes were lovely blue ! 
'Fore I knew it, why, I said, 
" 'En I'm big I'll marry you." 

She jess said, " Oh, Willie James ! " 
An' her bag of peanuts fell, — 
But before I left her we 
Were engaged — but don't you tell ! 



[85] 



THE HOLLYHOCK AND THE 
HONEY BEE 

A HONEY Bee in search of sweets 
From flower to flower flew, 
And when a sudden shower came 
He cried, "What shall I do? 

" I'll get my pretty wings all wet — 
Then what a sight I'll be ! " 

" Don't worry. Bee," said Hollyhock, 
" Just creep inside of me." 

The shower o'er, out came the Bee 
And said, " What can I do, 

Kind Mr. Hollyhock, to show 
My gratitude to you? " 

Then Mr. Hollyhock replied, 
" If you would like to pay. 

Just take to sweet Miss Hollyhock 
A kiss from me today." 



[86] 



A LULLABY 

THE moon is shining in the sky, 
The fleecy clouds are passing by, 
The stars between just blink and peep 
Like your bright eyes. O baby, sleep! 
Sweet baby, sleep! 

The mother-moon has done her best 

To put the baby stars to rest. 
The fleecy clouds her covers are 

To hide away each sleepy star. 

My baby-star ! 

She sings to them just as I do. 

And they peep back the same as you ; 

At last they're hidden from my sight ; 

So are your eyes, dear child, good night! 
Dear child, good night! 



[87] 



THE SANDMAN'S SHIP 

A SHIP coincs down from Silver Sea, 
Each night, and waits outside for me, 
And Captain Sandman, in command. 
Loads up his gun with silversnnd. 

Then, after tea. Bang! goes his gun. 
And I must rub my eyes and run 
And cHmb the stair, and say my prayer 
To motlier who is waiting there. 

His sliip is like a snow-white swan. 
With seats inside to sit upon ; 
The wings and tail are sails, and we 
Start off at once for Silver Sea. 

At Silver Sea he lifts me out. 
And there we children laugh and shout 
Until it's time to come away — 
When I get home, it's always day. 



[88] 



PEACE 

LlTTTiE Bov's eyelids were heavy with shini- 
ber but the expectancy of the morrow's 
joys w^ould not k't them close, so he begged of 
me a story. 

The one T told him ends in this wise: '" And 
suddenly there was with the angel a multitude 
of the heavenly host praising (Jod, and saying, 
* Glory to God in the highest, and on earth 
peace, good will toward men.' " 

When I had finished he said, " Daddy, I like 
that one, aiid it's true — not make-believe — 
isn't it.?" 

"Yes, T.ittle Boy," I replied, " Daddy knows 
it's true, because, when the sweet Habe in the 
story grew up, lie became a King, and lie made 
oidy one law which He called Love, and every 
one who joined His kingdom and obeyed the law 
received a very precious gift called Peace — 
the Peace the angels sang about in the story. 
Daddy knows the story's true — lie joined the 
kingdom long ago and received the gift." 

"What is Peace, Daddy?" asked the boy, 
and I answered, ** Peace is when every one loves 
every one else — just as you and I love each 
other — that's Peaces 

Then as the tired eyelids began to droop and 
flicker. Little Boy said, " I know ! If every- 
body loved each other that way, there couldn't 
[89] 



never be any more wars, and little boys' papas 
wouldn't have to shoot and kill each other, 
would they, Daddy? " I answered. " No, 
child, the Law of Love wouldn't allow it." 



[90] 



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